Myth: Eating Late at Night Causes Weight Gain

Many people believe that eating late leads to weight gain, causing them to avoid meals or snacks after a certain hour. This myth is common in dieting culture.

Weight gain depends on overall calorie intake rather than meal timing. Studies in Obesity Research & Clinical Practice show that metabolism does not significantly slow down at night, although individual factors may vary. Late-night eating can lead to weight gain if it results in excessive calorie consumption, but timing alone is not the cause. Understanding that total calorie balance is more crucial can help people make healthier choices based on hunger cues rather than rigid timing rules.